EXT. SANDS OF THE WASTE -- NIGHT
"6 Years Later" Across screen. The Raven bereft of all cybernetics, strictly human as an 18 yr old man is running across the sands of the Waste in the deep of night. He stumbles and falls, fear covering every crease of his face. He clambers up and keeps running.
The RAVEN
Leave me alone!!! Stop following me!!!!
Deep laughter echoes in the night.
The wolf
We are not following the mighty Lord Raven, scourge of the Waste! We are hunting!!!!!(Laughter)
The haWK
Yes, hunting! Run little Raven, run!!!!
The Raven scrambles over the lip of a dune down into a valley as the shadow of a giant Wolf zips across the screen, knocks him through the air, rolling into the sand, before the wolf disappears into the deep shadows. The Raven stumbles to his feet as a giant Hawk, swoops from the sky, sending him tumbling, a claw mark appearing across his face, dripping blood. The Raven stands up again running into the night. He comes to a piece of crumbling ruins. He places his back against it.
The rAVEN
Leave me alone!!!! I am a God!!!! I will destroy you!!!!
Laughter echoes as two voices stream in mockery.
THE HAWK
I am a God!!!!
The WOLF
I am a God!!!!
The Raven bleeding copiously down his face, wiping it with his arm, smearing it across his human face. A Giant Wolf appears a few feet away, a giant Hawk Lands on it's shoulder.
The WOLF (CONT'D)
Prepare to die God!!!!
The Hawk leaps at him as the Wolf lunges. The Raven covers himself with his arms.
INT. LORD RAVEN'S BEDROOM -- THE CITY OF TRIELLES -- NIGHT
The Lord Raven leaps out of his bed from a deep sleep(Now 18 years old). He has no shirt on and cybernetics roll up his body leading to the side of his face leading to his burning eyes. He looks down to see his black titanium claws are out of his fingers, he pulls them back. He touches his face feeling for claw marks and finds nothing. He is breathing heavy and sweat covered. He walks to the side of his bed noticing his bed slave is cowered in the corner with nothing on but the neck collar of her slavery. He looks at her in disgust. He comes to an intercom upon the wall. He hits the button.
The RAVEN
Doctor!!!! Doctor!!!!! Doctor!!! Answer me!!! Get yourself here now!!!!!!
He pounds his fist into the intercom destroying it, sparks flying into the dark room. The Raven looks about still feral and again comes on the cowering slave. He smiles a mad smile.
Int. Office of dr. Idrari -- city of trielles -- night
Doctor Idrari, now older, more worn and wearing a very expensive eye patch across one eye with old claw scars extending past the patch into his face. He sits at his desk pouring over documents, his clothes covered in soot as well as his fingers and face. He is fingering a somewhat burned video disc. All of a sudden a voice blares across his desk intercom which makes him jump.
The RAVEN
Doctor!!!! Doctor!!!!! Doctor!!! Answer me!!! Get yourself here now!!!!!!
After calming himself he hits the button to respond and gets only static.
Dr.IDRARI
My Lord?! My lord?1 Are you there?!
He releases the button.
Dr.IDRARI (CONT'D)
What could the raving lunatic want now?!
He gets up, fear and worry wrapping his face. He leaves for his door.
Int. the receiving room of the lord raven's living quarters -- city of trielles -- night
Dr. Idrari stands in the ornately decorated receiving room with a hand at the double doors entering into the Lord Raven's bedroom. Two of the Lord Raven's Elite Guard in the gleaming unmoving black armor with long knives in hip sheaths, and ornate short spears in hand, stand as statues to each side of the double doors leading to the halls. He takes a deep breath and opens the door.
Int. LORD RAVEN'S BEDROOM -- THE CITY OF TRIELLES -- NIGHT
Dr. Idrari enters into the bedroom to see the Lord Raven sitting in his throne like chair against the wall in a black as night robe, the destroyed intercom sparking, the lights having been brought up to a barely visible setting. The Lord Raven's face and parts of his body and robe are covered in blood. Dr. Idrari sighs as he comes around the bed and sees the corner walls covered in flesh and blood and pieces of the now dead bed slave all over the place.
Dr.IDRARI
My Lord, you called?
The Raven looks up, his eyes sparking for an eye blink. He looks disappointed by the Doctor.
The RAVEN
I did and why was their no answer?!
DR.IDRARI
Well my Lord, I did attempt...
The Raven waves off his excuses.
THE RAVEN
Nevermind. One can not expect too much from such as you.
Dr. Idrari bows.
DR.IDRARI
Yes my Lord, of course.
The Raven stands up and starts pacing, kicking an arm out of the way.
THE RAVEN
It was the dream again, over and over, night in and night out, the same dream. They will not get me Doctor, do you hear me! (Picks up the Dr. off his feet into the air.) DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!? I will kill them! I am a God!!! I am the Scourge of the Waste!!!
Dr. Idrari used to the outburst looks calmly into the Raven's eyes and he is set down as the Raven loses interest.
DR.IDRARI
Yes my Lord, indubitably. They are at this moment no doubt cowering in the sands, unwilling to face your fury.
The Raven smiles and pats the Dr.'s Head like a pet.
THE RAVEN
Yes of course, very insightful of you Doctor. I knew there was a reason I kept you alive. Still, send a squadron to scour the surrounding deserts in the morning and send messages to the slave cities to do the same. One must never be too careful.
Dr. Idrari bows.
DR.IDRARI
Yes My Lord, it shall be done. We shall find these villains.
The Raven tilts his head at the Dr.
THE RAVEN
Don't over do it Doctor. And find me another bed slave, this one seems to have expired, so fragile you mortals.
Dr, Idrari clears his throat.
DR.IDRARI
Uhmm, Lord. We are having trouble finding any more bed slaves that fit your, uhmm, particular tastes.
The Raven laughs long and loud.
THE RAVEN
You mean that look like my dear sister, or at least as I imagine her? Doctor, so squeamish. You must work on that. In the ancient world whole civilizations advocated royalty marrying their sisters. That is neither here nor there however. I have every faith in you that you shall find one suitable by the end of the day tomorrow. And doctor, look at you, covered in filth. I thought I had taught you much better then that. We must keep up appearances for the rif raf.
Dr. Idrari looks nervous.
DR.IDRARI
Uhh, My Lord, I have a very good reason for such, a very good reason. In fact since you are up anyway I would love to share with you what I found.
The Raven's interest looks piqued but still doubtful.
THE RAVEN
It had better be. I would despise having to teach you another lesson in etiquette. Good help is so hard to find.
Dr. Idrari nods his head.
DR.IDRARI
Verily my Lord and I agree whole heartedly. Please follow me to my study. I am sure you will find what I have to share at the very least intriguing and may answer many questions you have posed regarding your sister and her intransigent attitude.
The Raven's eyes lit up at the mention of his sister.
THE RAVEN
Very good Doctor, very good indeed. You have me almost giddy in anticipation Let us be off.
The Dr. Nods his head and heads towards the door as the Raven follows his trail starting to hum the same melody he had hummed so long ago(Good, bad and Ugly) The Dr. takes a deep breath.
InT. offICE OF DR. IDRARI -- CITY OF TRIELLES -- NIGHT
The Dr. enters his office followed by the two dark forms of the Raven's Elite Guards, then the Raven, still in his bloody robe. The Dr. Moves to his desk taking the soot covered vid disc, wiping it on his already dirty clothes. He slips it into a vid viewer on his desk turning it towards the approaching Raven. Before he hits it to play.
DR.IDRARI
Before I show you this clip I must preface it. Many years ago you asked me to solve the mystery of why your sister behaves the way she does and how her vision of the world differs so greatly from your own.
The Raven nods.
The rAVEN
I remember everything that ever transpires Doctor as you well know so get on with it. My patience is very thin as you also know, to your own detriment.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Dr. Idrari nods.
DR.IDRARI
Yes, well, learn it I have My Lord. Now having said that I believe I have found the reason for your sister's, shall we say, different take on the world. The last week or so I again revisited uhmm, your father, your father's abode or should I say what's left of it.
The Raven tsks tsks.
THE RAVEN
Is that another admonishment my dear Doctor. You should know better then such. I hope another reminder is not the errand of the day. (He gestures towards the Doctor's missing eye.) I recall you coming out less then you were the last time I had to communicate such.
The Doctor puts a hand towards his eye then stops midway up and looks back at the Raven.
DR.IDRARI
No my Lord though my task might of been easier and I might of found more information.
THE RAVEN
Alas, such is the road of life. I was in the blooming rose of my youth and it was such an invigorating experience, to destroy your own father's possessions, in such a visceral way. The memories, even now, a smile creeps it's macabre art upon my lips. Such a sweet sensation I must admit.(Sickening smile, eyes glazed in memory, then his eyes narrow upon the Doctor.) Show me what you have found dear Doctor.
The doctor steadies himself and straightens, moving behind his desk with one hand on the reports sitting upon it.
DR.IDRARI
What I found boggles the mind and weaves together many unanswered threads. I believe Dr. Shivar had a completely different design on the creation of you and your sister then the face he presented to the council. I found a vid card that I could still salvage the data from that opens up much clarity. Then I went back into the observation reports of you and your sister's incubation. First of all, let me show you what I found.
The Raven's boredom is manifest within his features.
THE RAVEN
Please do Doctor. This is becoming tedious.
The Doctor pushes the button on the Vid Display. A fractured hard to see image starts playing with garbled sound then moves into a small portion that's clear audibly but still somewhat static visually though can be seen as Dr. Shivar speaking.
Dr, SHIVAR
(Garbled)daughter, know I love you. You are as beautiful as I could ever imagine and you were meant to make the world a better place. Remember, always remember, to follow your heart and do what is right. I love you.
The Doctor looks up in time to see the Raven move like lightning his hand slamming down on the vid player, destroying it. The Doctor steps back seeing the look of rage on his face. The two elite guards step forward veering their spears towards the doctor. The Raven sees them and non chalantly waves them off his anger melting off him. He straightens his robe.
THE RAVEN
Doctor, please explain the offense I just witnessed.
Dr. Idrari walks around the desk and looks upon the destroyed vid screen. He hands the Raven a PDA. Raven looks at it in disgust.
Dr.IDRARI
Bare with me my Lord. I have uploaded the statistical comparison chart of you and your sisters programming stream during the ten years of your incubation cycles. Look on pages 120 to the remainder of the report on your sisters statistical data and compare it to your report, specifically data line 2.4.6.8 of each day.
The Raven looks bored but does as ask, eyes scanning like the machine he is absorbing the data instantly. His face turns from the disgust he started with to piqued interest.
THE RAVEN
Hmm, there seems to be an anomaly at the same data line in the programming schedule each day within my sisters stream absent of my own. (Thoughtful look) My father was attaching these sentimental vid recordings to my sister's neural programming.? She spent ten years receiving "I love you and your so cute and cuddly." No wonder she is deranged. I am utterly surprised my father did not attempt to do so with me. (Look of regret mixed with disgust.)
DR.IDRARI
Uh my Lord, he actually did. I found within the first few months of your incubation the same anomaly. AT the time I remember we thought we were going to lose you. For a few days your vitals were dropping to dangerous rates. Then when we thought we lost one of the Alpha models, which would of been a damaging blow to our plans, your vitals picked up. I can only conclude with the evidence now presented, you did not have the same favorable view point on your father's shall we say, reaching out with love and caring as your sister did.
Raven has misty heart broken eyes for a second.
THE RAVEN
Broken is as broken does(Whisper). Of course such would not work with me, sentimental drivel. What was my father's plan however?
DR.IDRARI
We will never know my Lord. All that you have seen is all that I could find.
The Raven looks contemplative. He shakes his head.
THE RAVEN
It matters not. Nothing and noone will interfere with what I have dreamed, not Wolf nor Hawk shall restrain me from fulfilling the ascension of my Godhood. All the world shall bow at my throne.
DR.IDRARI
Yes my Lord.
The Raven looks at the Doctor who cringes.
THE RAVEN
Ask General Zakar to meet us in council tomorrow sharply at noon. We need to discuss our next military target.
The Raven starts to leave as the Doctor bows.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
And Doctor.
Dr.IDRARI
Yes Lord Raven
THE RAVEN
Thank you, for that, revelation. I found it to be, enlightening. Keep up the good work and make sure to have my bed slave ready by the end of the day tomorrow, and just to be sure, find two. I have a feeling one might not last the night.
The Raven storms out his two elite guard in perfect unison flanking him.
InT. throne room, city of trielles -- day
General Zakar, an extremely large, formidable man, in full battle armor, black, crested with a crimson red, a large Raven crest on it's chest plate with a two handed war hammer on his back and a long billowing crimson cloak that trailed to the ground, stood to the side of the long council table which was down the steps from a large ornate throne that was covered in sharp blades. He had shaggy wild hair down to his shoulders with a bristly bear like beard reaching down his chest. On the walls lining the room were spiked various skulls in various states of decay. Along the walls were the Lord Raven's Elite Security Guards. In conversation with the General were his two military adjutants, both in less ornate armor then the general, one with two side arm pistols hung under each arm pit, a slender fellow with long blonde hair streaming down his back, the other, with a rifle strapped to his back and medium build with neatly trimmed dark hair and goatee and a slender sword sheathed to his waist. They both were looking at their weapons noticing that they registered heat locked. Dr. Idrari stood to the left side of the room with ornate councilor robes in a black with gold trim and the emblem of a Raven as everyone else had. Next to him was a young male slave neatly groomed and waiting on his pleasure. Banners hung on the side of the two ornate doors that entered into the throne room and billowed as they slammed open and the Lord Raven strode in followed by 4 of his Guard. The Raven jumped atop the long table and strode down it as his 4 guards split to each side of door. The Raven leaps from the middle of the table to land lightly on the steps then another movement quicker then the eye and he is on his bladed throne. He is dressed in an advanced set of black tech armor of his own design that comes up to his neck, his long flowing straight black hair draping his angular handsome face, cybernetics accenting his fierce visage and his eyes flaring. The General and his men bow slightly and Dr. Idrari bows slightly lower while the slave is face first on the ground, his hands spread in supplication. All the guards stand immobile. Along the walls were hand to hand weapons of all types and beneath, rotting heads on plaques.
THE RAVEN
Nice of you all to show. I am planning a merry party and you are all invited. By the way Doctor did you pass along the orders to search the surrounding environs as well as the other cities to do the same? My sister must be found and I want a recon patrol to again scour the villages of the Burn for the elusive Wolf.
The General grumbles under his breath to one of his aides, the one with the blonde hair and he echoes the look of disgust. The Raven glances in their direction as the Doctor steps up.
Dr.IDRARI
I sent the messages out this morning to the other five cities under our control and had two patrols here scour the surrounding area ten miles out but unfortunately, they found nothing my Lord.
The Raven nods his head. The General again grumbles something to his other aide.
THE RAVEN
My sister is ever elusive, but she will eventually find herself within my grasp. General Zakar, do you have something to add to the conversation? Far be it from me to interrupt your little suare with affairs of state. And tell your lackeys to quit fiddling with their weapons. I have installed technology that will heat lock all weapons within the room.
The General looks somewhat sheepish and apologetic. His two compatriots look alarmed, eyeing their weapons.
General zakar
I apologize Lord Raven. I do not understand your preoccupation with your sister. We control six of the nine great cities of the Waste, your precognition has worked perfectly. We have anticipated every strategy, ambush or move our adversaries have attempted to make and we have crushed them all.
The Raven smirks.
THE RAVEN
I am well aware of my accomplishments General. I see them upon my walls every day. (Gestures to the rotting heads.) And a note to the verbage spilling off your unrestrained tongue. My sister hasn't been seen for the simple reason she has chosen to abstain from entering into the battles you have so astutely mentioned hence also why my dreams have had such clarity in their ascertation of truth. But alas, let your own mind relay to me what my sister has endeavored to achieve in the last few years. Please enlighten me.
The general looks uncomfortable.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
Go ahead General Zakar, do not be shy and as you know truth is a commodity I value within my subordinates as long as it does not impinge upon my own diadem.
The General looks at his lackeys who step back.
General ZAKAR
Well, to be honest, Lord Raven. Though nothing has been substantiated as to the identity of the aggressor we have had in the last few years no less then 23 incursions into our possessions, but nothing of any consequence.
The Raven smirks.
THE RAVEN
Ahhh, you are too timid in your ascertations. No consequence. Every attempt at creating laboratories for my soldier creations in the other cities, destroyed, supply depots raided, armories stripped bare. You have an interesting take on what is of consequence. In fact I find myself peeved to say the least.
The Raven raises his arm towards the General and on his forearm, a part of his armor extends, the General stepping back and his lackeys spreading far to each side, everyone's hands on their weapons, the Elite Guard moving forward, one step, their spears lowering. At the last second the Raven turns and fires, a bolt from his forearm drilling through the Doctor's slave's head taking it off his shoulders, pinning it against the wall right under a trio of staked heads, splashing the Doctor in blood. The slave's body collapses headless, blood spilling in a pool, his neck squirting. The Raven barks a maniacal laughter doing a little dance, blows a non existent smoke off his forearm weapon. The General sighs relief. The Raven stares at him with a mad man's grin.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
How do you all enjoy my new weapon? I created it myself. Fires 12 inch titanium spikes, well, you can see the results. If I do say so myself, my brilliance is always an impressive experience. Now as you were saying General? And apologize Doctor for your loss though I am sure you can find another to take the slave's place.
Dr.IDRARI
It is of no issue my Lord.
The General stays silent as his two lackeys do nothing, eyeing the guards with their spears still up, aimed in their direction.
THE RAVEN
What happened to your verbose and analytical conversation my dear Zakar? Please, I do insist you continue.
The General nods his head. The Raven again slips back into his throne.
GenERAL ZAKAR
My Lord Raven, I apologize for my assumption on your generosity and forbearance. I still assert that while your sister has caused us issues, our main military objectives have still happened as predicted by you yourself and our victories have been absolute. In fact we are ready to move on the city of Tarikar within the week, and, with the battle plans you handed us years ago in this very room, I find no qualms in saying our victory is assured.
The Raven leans forward.
THE RAVEN
I have no doubt as to your assertion General, in fact I would go as far as to say our next two objectives will fall to our aggression with very little in the way of loss. I ask you though in all the stratagems I have laid as gifts upon your feet is there anything you have noticed was not included?
The General looks confused.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
Do I have to spell it out General? (Looks at the Doctor.) Did I not say dear Doctor good help is hard to find? (Notices his guard still aiming weapons) Oh please you mentally deficient placebos, relax. (Guards go back to their positions.)General, if I dared to actually give my soldiers a mind to use along with their physical enhancements, you would be irrelevant, but use the tools you have, I guess, is the appropriate saying in this slip of moments. You have the plans for the next two cities that I gave you years ago, but if two thoughts could find their way to connect within the subterranean you call a brain you would of realized that there were no plans to conquer the last of the cities, the mountain fortress that is Barrakus.
The General still looks confused.
GenERAL ZAKAR
I am sorry my Lord I had assumed you just had not seen to pass those along yet.
Raven frowns.
THE RAVEN
No General Zarak. I did not hand you the schematics to the battle for Barrakus because I did not have them. That is the battle that my sister intends to participate in. My visions are unclear regarding the Mountain Fortress. So you see why I am so interested in killing my sister before we get to that point in my ascension to Godhood. She will do her utmost, granted out of a misguided delusion our father instilled in her, to stop me. So General do your utmost to find and bring me my dear sister's head to add to my decorations for if you do not it might just be yours that adds it's art to the wall. Now that being said, it is time for you to go gather me another city is it not?
The General bows low as do his lackeys.
GENERAL ZAKAR
As you command Lord Raven.
The General and his two lackeys retreat through the double doors, the last lackey closing them as they leave. The Doctor still rubbing the blood off his face with a deeply stained kerchief steps towards the Raven and bows.
dr.IDRARI
My lord, is there anything you need before I retire to uhmm, make myself more presentable?
The Raven smiles.
The raVEN
Do you have my two bed slaves I requested? I feel a voracious appetite this day.
DR.IDRARI
Yes my lord, as per your request.
The Raven licks his lips, eyes sparking.
THE RAVEN
Good good, always reliable you are Doctor. Yes, do go clean yourself up, you are looking dreadful.
The Doctor bows low and leaves giving a grimacing look at his dead slave as he walks by.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
The Hawk and the Wolf, neither of you shall stop what is to come. I am a God.
His eyes flare and he laughs a mad man's laugh.